It’s been long rumoured and demanded. But finally, Arrow co-creator Marc Guggenheim has officially confirmed via Twitter, that fan-favourite antagonist Deathstroke (aka Slade Wilson) will be returning to The CW action drama. Once again portrayed by Manu Bennett, in its season 5 finale. Guggenheim’s post from yesterday (with Bennett himself tagged) shows a scan of a script cover sheet, detailing production notes, captioned – “Guess there’s really no point in hiding it anymore…”.

Lead actor Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen/Green Arrow) had previously hinted to this on his Twitter account – less than an hour before. With an image of Deathstroke’s iconic mask.

Wilson first appeared during Arrow‘s first season, befriending Oliver Queen whilst both were marooned on Lian Yu, which is incidentally the title of the episode. During the show’s second season, their relationship had deteriorated and the former close friends became sworn enemies. Their rivalry is long remembered as an overall series highlight.

Whilst we ponder Deathstroke’s re-emergence and ultimate effect on Oliver, no less the rest of Team Arrow – viewers may not see what they’d expect. Executive Producer and writer Wendy Mericle, speaking recently with Entertainment Weekly, has stated that there may just be a surprise in store….

“The alliances are going to be very surprising. You’re not going to believe who Oliver is working with to defeat Prometheus. It’s going to be really emotional. It’s going to be all about Oliver’s family, but not the family we’re thinking of right now. It’s going to end in a giant explosion, but not where we think it’s going to end, and the emotional punch is going to be bigger than the actual physical part of the bombs going off.”

Does this refer to Slade? It certainly seems to suggest so. Prometheus has been one hell of a thorn in the sides of Team Arrow this year, and maybe Wilson could be the trump card. But with Oliver’s and the team’s long list of adversaries, it’s possible we see more than one unlikely partnership. In the meantime, check out our review for the latest episode of the show here.

Check back at Filmoria for more on Arrow and the rest of the CW Arrowverse.

Scott Allden Writer/Contributor @ Filmoria.co.uk

Scott, or Allden (Depending on which level of association you stand) is an avid film fan, comic reader, writer and video producer. Regularly and deftly expressing his disdain of modern film. But the way to his heart is through shared love of Coen Brothers movies, highly tensed thrillers and Star Wars.